SMLE Breech cover. ME and Co 1915

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I have had this for 30 years. Does it look right?

I appreciate a second (or more) opinion.

 

Thanks

[Pete_C]

There are a number of features that indicate this is not a Great War pattern cover - it’s almost certainly of WW2 or later manufacture. The covers were introduced in 1915 (LoC 17368, June 1915) but they were never manufactured by The Mills Equipment Company (M.E.CO.). They were made from a double ply waterproof drill, did not have the oval shaped reinforcing patch for the knob of the bolt and the lace holes were located further in from the edge of the cover.
Your cover is unfortunately one of the many examples sold as ‘genuine’ over recent decades, usually via eBay, but is clearly not - many appeared to originate from a notorious UK dealer who would often hide any visible WW2 dates under a random black paint stain.

Here are two genuine 1918 examples showing the key features to look out for - you can see they’re made from double ply fabric rather than the single ply of many of the later patterns. The distinctive style of the snap fastener crowns can also be found on WW2 examples.

Pete

 

 

Edited 13 April , 2023 by Pete_C

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Thanks Pete.

The very reason I asked the question was because I suspected it was not good.

I appreciate the conformation. I believe it came from the very source you quote.